Q I have recently acquired a Ford box-type van with an
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unladen weight of over 3 tons and want to convert this to a caravanette for touring purposes. Do I have to tax the vehicle as commercial or private? Do I need an hgv licence to drive the vehicle?
A Dealing with the classifi cation of the vehicle after conversion will clarify the two points which you raise.
By installing bunks, a sink and cooker unit and, presumably, a table the nature of the vehicle will change. It will no longer be "constructed or adapted to carry goods or burden of any description" which is part of the definition of a goods vehicle in paragraph 9 of Schedule 4 to the vehicles (Excise) Act 1971. In that case it ceases to become a goods vehicle and may be taxed at the private rate of £40 a year.
The Road Traffic Act 1972 contains the same phrase— the vehicle cannot be held to be a heavy goods vehicle for the purpose of hgv driving licence requirements.
However, under the new driving licence regulations due to come into operation on January 1, if the vehicle exceeds 7.5 tonnes (7.38 tons) laden, the driver will need to be over 21 years of age.